If you haven’t locked in to PBS’ reality show, “Regency House Party,” get thee to a TIVO. Every Wednesday for the next three (you’ve already missed one), waltz into the English Regency era via modern-day reality television with contemporary jeune gens (young people). The “participants” live through nine weeks as if actually in the restrictive by-gone era, complete with corsets, cravats, stringent mores, and sumptuous food and drink.

The Regency lasted a mere nine years (from 1811 until 1820) but nonetheless left an indellible mark on our own modern day. The opulence of the era introduced the world to many things; among them the personal trainer, tabloid press, fashion icons, celebrity “attitude,” and top-notch dining.

Over the course of the series, the houseguests dine nightly on elegant feasts of fish, peacock, turtle game, and heavy sauces while imbibing heavily (morning and night) on drinks of the day like ale and ratafia.

It is claimed that “Nouvelle cuisine” got its start during The Regency. Dining was an art unto itself during this time and the show’s use of period dinnerware, untensils, proper service and more is simply marvelous.

For more information and a schedule in your area, go to www.pbs.org or check television listings. The series is also available on DVD and there is a hardcover book that looks smashing.

Filed Under: Cool Stuff